Which two major political parties dominate the United States?

The Democratic and Republican parties are considered the two major political parties that dominate the political landscape in the United States. Throughout American history, these parties have played significant roles in shaping policy, governance, and public opinion. The Democratic Party is generally associated with progressive and liberal ideologies, advocating for social justice, environmental reform, and government intervention in the economy to address inequality. Conversely, the Republican Party typically embraces conservative principles, emphasizing limited government, free-market policies, and individual liberties.

The predominance of these two parties is reflected in election outcomes, legislative processes, and the overall political discourse in the country. Most elected officials at both the state and federal levels belong to one of these two parties, which influences their platforms and voter bases. This binary system has led to a political environment where third parties, such as the Green, Libertarian, or Socialist parties, struggle to gain traction, making it challenging for alternative political movements to compete equally.